Emanuel Pogatetz says Middlesbrough pal Stewart Downing is still struggling with being axed by England.

Against Sunderland, Downing fluffed his second successive spot-kick by blazing over and Pogatetz claims the winger's confidence has been hit by his limited chances under Fabio Capello.

"What they did to him with England didn't help him," said the defender. "When he goes away with England, a player of his ability should start, but he doesn't get the chance."